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Ireland and Costa Rica draw 1-1 in friendly

Published on NewsOK
Modified: June 6, 2014 at 9:52 pm •
Published: June 6, 2014

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CHESTER, Pa. (AP) — Ireland and Costa Rica played a 1-1 draw in a pre-World Cup exhibition game dubbed as Freedom Cup 2014 on Friday night.

Ireland struck in the 18th minute when Kevin Doyle headed home a cross from Marc Wilson. But the Irish couldn't hold the lead against short-handed Costa Rica.

Costa Rica's Marco Urena (21) takes a shot on goal as Ireland's Richard Keogh defends during the second half of an international friendly soccer match on Friday, June 6, 2014, in Chester, Pa. The match ended in a 1-1 tie. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

In the 41st minute, defender Giancarlo Gonzalez was handed a red card. The Ticos never stopped hustling and tied the game at 1 in the 64th minute. After a foul in the penalty area crease, Celso Borges scored on a penalty kick, sending the large throng of Costa Rica fans into a cheering frenzy.

Just two minutes later, Ireland had a chance to take the lead on a penalty kick. But Robbie Keane, who has scored seven goals and three assists for the Los Angeles Galaxy this season, was stymied by goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton.

With two minutes of stoppage time winding down, a fan ran on the field and attempted to hug Costa Rica forward Bryan Ruiz. The fan was ejected from the stadium.

Following the game, several fans were tackled by security on the field.

Costa Rica qualified for its first World Cup since 2006 and is in Group D with Uruguay, Italy and England. Costa Rica will open play against Uruguay on June 14.

The Ticos are ranked 28th in the latest FIFA rankings.

Ireland is 70th in the rankings and failed to qualify for the World Cup. The last time Ireland played in the World Cup was 2002.